Many homeowners set a goal of owning their home free and clear, with no monthly payment to stifle vacation plans, keep them from buying the newest gadgets, or to prevent an investment in another dream. Before you pay extra toward your principal balance, consider the pros and cons. Depending on your situation, prioritizing other investments can be a smarter financial move than eliminating your monthly mortgage payment.

Homeowners insurance is more than just a mortgage requirement. It offers peace of mind that you won’t be financially devastated if something happens to your home. But many homeowners find that insurance is becoming more stressful than it is reassuring. And it’s no wonder. The cost of insurance has risen fast over the last five years. Here are four ways to get the best deal, for both short-term payment savings and the potential long-term impact on your finances.

Do you know how much you paid in property taxes last year? For many homeowners, property taxes are bundled into their monthly mortgage payment, making them easy to overlook — especially when the cost goes up. But here’s what many people don’t realize: Property tax bills aren’t fixed; they’re based on an estimate that’s not always accurate. If your tax assessment is off, you could be paying more than you should.

A home renovation starts as an exciting prospect for homeowners, but many come away disappointed. More than half of homeowners have at least one regret about a recent renovation project. With the ongoing popularity of upgrades, understanding why the regrets happen is the first step to avoiding them.